    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book III)]
    [November 17, 2004]
    [Pages 2978-2979]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks on the Nomination of Margaret Spellings To Be Secretary of Education
    November 17, 2004

        The President. Thank you all. Please be seated. Good morning. I'm
    proud to announce my nomination of Margaret Spellings to be the
    Secretary of Education.
        I've known Margaret Spellings for more than a decade. I have relied
    on her intellect and judgment throughout my career in public service. As
    Governor of Texas, I called on her to serve the children of our State as
    my chief education adviser, a job she carried out with conviction and
    great results.
        When I was elected President, I asked her to serve as Assistant to
    the President for Domestic Policy. I've benefited from her knowledge and
    experience on many issues, from health care to immigration to job
    training. I'm now calling on this energetic reformer to serve the
    children of America by continuing our vital work of improving our
    Nation's public schools.
        Margaret Spellings has a special passion for this cause. She
    believes that every child can learn and that every school can succeed.
    And she knows the stakes are too high to tolerate failure. She believes
    in high standards and improving the resources necessary--and providing
    the resources necessary to meet those standards. In Margaret Spellings,
    America's children, teachers, and parents will have a principled,
    determined ally in my Cabinet. She has my complete trust, and she will
    be an outstanding Secretary of Education.
        With the Senate's approval, Margaret Spellings will continue the
    work of a fine educator and leader, Secretary Rod Paige. As Secretary of Education, this humble and decent man
    inspired his Department and implemented the most significant Federal
    education reform in a generation. Today, thanks to the No Child Left
    Behind Act, students of every background are making hopeful progress in
    reading and math. The Nation's schools are stronger because of Rod
    Paige's leadership. I'm grateful for his friendship. I'm grateful for
    his years of service.
        We've made great progress in our schools, and there is more work to
    do. Margaret Spellings and I are determined to extend the high standards
    and accountability measures of the No Child Left Behind Act to all of
    America's public high schools. We must ensure that a high school diploma
    is a sign of real achievement, so that our young people have the tools
    to go to college and to fill the jobs of the 21st century. And in all
    our reforms, we will continue to stand behind our Nation's teachers, who
    work so hard for our children.
        The issue of education is close to my heart. And on this vital
    issue, there is no one I trust more than Margaret Spellings. Two decades
    ago, as a young aide in the Texas State legislature, Margaret dedicated
    herself to strengthening public schools. She went on to help lead the
    Texas Association of School Boards, to advise two Governors on school
    reform, and to serve 4 years as my top domestic policy adviser right
    here in the White House. And now her talent and idealism have brought
    her to the highest education office in the land. Through it all, she has
    kept her good humor and her perspective on life. She is a devoted,
    loving mother to Mary and Grace, and Laura and I are proud to count her
    and Robert as good friends.
        I urge the Senate to promptly confirm Margaret Spellings as
    America's eighth Secretary of Education. And I look forward to having
    her in my Cabinet.
        Congratulations.

    [At this point, Secretary-designate Spellings made brief remarks.]

        The President. Good job.

    [[Page 2979]]

    Note: The President spoke at 11:07 a.m. in the Roosevelt Room at the
    White House. The transcript released by the Office of the Press
    Secretary also included the remarks of Secretary-designate Spellings.